Method of wrapping a glass and the wrapped glass produced

ABSTRACT

A method of wrapping a drinking glass having a rim and the wrapped glass so produced. The method of wrapping a drinking glass is performed by providing a segment of flexible material for use in wrapping the glass; encircling the flexible material at least partially around a lower portion of the glass, drawing the flexible material taut upwardly, across and around the glass and securing the flexible material adjacent to the rim of the glass.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to identifying and individuallydecorating items which may be otherwise indistinguishable, and moreparticularly to identifying and decorating a stemmed or other drinkingglass with a flexible material, such as a ribbon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many stemmed drinking glasses are formed in a pleasing functional shape,but are otherwise non-descript and indistinguishable from other glassesof the same design. Common examples of stemmed drinking glasses include:wine glasses, sherry glasses, champagne coupes, champagne flutes,cocktail glasses, martini glasses, and brandy snifters. This lack ofuniqueness among glasses of the same design can present a number oflimitations. One common problem occurs when, during the course of agathering where stemmed glassware is used, several of the attendees settheir used glasses down in the same general location. When an attendeereturns to retrieve his or her glass it can be difficult to determine towhom each glass belongs.

The wrap may also be used in conjunction with extra-large display wine,champagne, martini glasses, etc. These larger glasses may be used, forexample as trade show display models, larger as larger decorativedisplays for use in conjunction with themed events.

To alleviate this problem a number of apparatuses have been designed toassist in identifying individual stemmed glasses. A number of theseideas have been patented. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,034,issued Sep. 25, 2001 to Skapyek, entitled “Stemware IdentificationBracelets and Method of Use,” which discloses a stemmed glass charmconstructed of a ring of spring steel that has opposing and abuttingends which may be momentarily separated in order to place the ringaround the stem of a wine glass. Another example includes U.S. Pat. No.6,741,150, issued May 25, 2004 to Holmes, entitled “Wine Glass Charm.”Holmes describes an identifying charm in which a magnetic coupling isused to connect two portions of a flexible coupling around the stem of awine glass.

Other designs include U.S. published patent application 20095/0145014,published Jun. 11, 2009 entitled “Re-Usable Identification Device.” Thisapplication discloses a charm which 5 adheres to the bowl of a stemmedglass via a two magnets, one on each side of the glass.

Still other designs focus more on the decorative aspect. One such designdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,608, issued Mar. 27, 2001 to Hunter,entitled “Decorative Assembly,” depicts an assembly which hangs from therim of a stemmed glass and contains a candle and dangling jewel.Alternative approaches to distinguishing and decorating stemmed glasseswhich also emphasize a decorative aspect include creating a set ofglasses where each glass is of a different shape, or where each glass ishand painted with a different color or thematic scheme. Although thesedesigns can be very unique, they can also be costly and some can sufferfrom problems related to damage in shipment and handling. Moreover,these decorative aspects are permanent in nature. In spite of thevarious existing options for identifying and decorating stemmed drinkingglasses and other vessels, there is still room for significantimprovement in this area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes using a compact stemmed glass wrap ofinexpensive design to decorate and customize stemmed and other drinkingglasses or cups. Wraps for stemmed glasses extend from stem to rim.Wraps for glasses or cups having handles extend from below their handlesto above their handles. The invention also includes a glass wrap and anitem of stemware, a cup or glass including such a glass wrap.

While described and depicted herein in relation to an item of stemwaresuch as a stemmed drinking glass it is to be understood that theinvention is applicable to other vessels and containers that have anarrower supporting member adjacent a bowl that is larger in diameterthan the narrower supporting member. This includes but is not limited topunch bowls, urns and decorative plant and flower pots.

A wrap according to a first embodiment of the invention is typicallycomprised of a length of flexible material, such as a ribbon, for use inwrapping a stemmed drinking glass. The glass is wrapped by firstpositioning the length of flexible material such that it isapproximately longitudinally centered on the stem of a drinking glass.The flexible material is then wrapped around the stem of the glass suchthat it encircles the stem of the glass at least once. The two ends ofthe flexible material are pulled taut across and upwardly on the bowl ofthe glass and secured by a knot or other similar structure near the rimof the drinking glass.

A wrap according to a second embodiment of the invention is typicallycomprised of a loop of flexible, preferably elastic material such asmaterial, such as a ribbon, for use in wrapping a stemmed drinkingglass.

The glass is wrapped by first looping the around the stem of a drinkingglass. The flexible material is then wrapped around the stem of theglass such that it encircles the stem of the glass at least once. Theloop is then pulled taut across and upwardly on the bowl of the glassand secured by a knot or other similar structure near the rim of thedrinking glass.

According to either of the above embodiments, a retaining clip, hook orloop may be secured to the rim of the stemware glass to secure theflexible material in place near the rim of the glass. Additionally,decorative items, such as a silk flower or other decorative piece may beoptionally attached to the flexible material generally near the rim ofthe glass.

The stemware wrap decorates a stemmed drinking glass from stem to rim.The wrap does not interfere with the function of the glass orconsumption of a beverage contained in the glass. It can be removed forwashing, maintenance, storage, and reuse. The wrap is compact,lightweight, and durable for ease of shipping. It is cost effective tomanufacture, and can be produced to fit stemmed glassware of a varietyof different shapes and sizes.

A wrap according to a third embodiment of the invention is typicallycomprised of a loop of flexible, preferably elastic material such asmaterial, such as a ribbon, for use in wrapping a drinking glass cup ormug having a handle. Examples of cups or glasses suitable for use inthis embodiment of the invention include footed pilsner glasses and somechildren's drinking cups. The glass or cup is wrapped by first loopingthe around the base of the glass, below the handle. The flexiblematerial is preferably wrapped around the glass at least once. The freeend of the loop is then pulled taut across and upwardly around the bowlof the glass and secured by stretching it over the top of the handle. Aretaining ring, clip or hook is not needed in such applications of theinvention.

Once a glass is or cup is wrapped with the flexible material it makes astatement about the event or the user of the glass. The wrap can addcolor, style, and customization to any table setting or event. Examplesinclude: using gold wraps with miniature Oscars attached for the AcademyAwards, using a pink ribbon for Susan G. Komen For the Cure dinners, orusing black and white colored ribbons with lace and a miniature bowtieto match a bride and groom at a wedding reception. The wrap is highlyvisible in photographs, television, video, as well as live events, andcan be used for promotional purposes. A wrap according to the inventioncan be customized to any event or individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a stemmed glass with a stemwarewrap in accordance with a first example of the first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a stemmed glass with a stemwarewrap in accordance with a second example of the first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a wrap according to the secondembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a front, perspective view of a stemmed glass with astemware wrap in accordance with an example of the second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a stemmed glass with a stemware wrapillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 a depicts a perspective view of a first example of a retainingclip for use with a wrap according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 b depicts a side view of the retaining clip of FIG. 6 b;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an example of a decorative hook foruse with a wrap according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an example of a decorative ring for usewith a wrap according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 a depicts a perspective view of one example embodiment of aretaining clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 b depicts a perspective view of an alternative example embodimentof a retaining clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a pattern for a making a first type of wrap according tothe invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a pattern for a making a second type of wrap accordingto the invention; and

FIG. 12 depicts a pattern for a making a third type of wrap according tothe invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict perspective views of the application of the wrapto a children's sippie cup and to a footed pilsner glass, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stemware wrap according to a first embodiment of the invention isindicated as 100 in FIG. 1. The wrap is mounted to a stemmed drinkingglass 12 and comprises at least one predetermined of length of flexiblematerial 10. The stemmed glass wrap 100 can also employ a retaining clip(depicted as 30A or 30B in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b) for the purpose ofsecuring the flexible material 10 in place on the stemmed drinking glass12. Alternatively, hooks, rings or clips as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 maybe substituted.

The stemmed drinking glass 12 typically includes a glass bowl 20 whichhas an upper rim 24. The glass bowl 20 is supported by a stem 22 whichis joined to a horizontal surface engaging base 23.

The flexible material 10 is depicted as a length of ribbon; howevernumerous other types of flexible material may be employed. Anonexclusive list of examples of such materials includes: ribbon,fabric, beading, sequins, rope, and flexible metal. The flexiblematerial 10 is generally between 1 to 2 feet in length when measuredlongitudinally, and can substantially vary in width when measuredlaterally. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a variety of decorativefeatures can optionally be attached to the length of flexible material10. In FIG. 1, the wrap itself is tied into a bow 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative example of a wrap according to thefirst embodiment of the invention. All numbered elements correspond tothose in FIG. 1, with the exception that a flower 16 is substituted forthe bow 14 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment the wrap 100 may be tied into asimple knot, also holding the decorative accessory or the ends may beheld together by a hook, clip or loop as discussed below. Otherdecorative accessories such as charms, buttons, separately formed bows,simulated jewels, team logos or other items may also be employed, inkeeping with the theme of the gathering at which the wraps are used.

One example of a retaining clip 30A or 30B, as depicted in FIGS. 9 a and9 b, can be molded of a single piece of flexible plastic with a tackysurface. Several different embodiments of clip 30 may be employed whilestill retaining the spirit of the invention. In one embodiment clip 30Ais generally formed in a loop 32 with two abutting ends 34A and 34B. Theloop 32 can be flexible to accommodate a wide variety of glasses, yet besufficiently rigid to maintain its overall shape. Additionally, the loop30A can be constructed of or coated with a semi-tacky material, such assilicon rubber or a releasable adhesive, to aid the loop 30A in stayingon the rim 24 of the stemmed glass 12. An example releasable adhesive islike that used in readherable notes.

An alternative embodiment of clip 30A is design 30B. Clip 30B presentsthree outer surfaces 37A, 37B, and 37C, and three inner surfaces 36A,36B, and 36C. An eye 38 can be joined or integrally formed with surfaces36C and 37C. Like the previous embodiment, clip 30B can be flexible,rigid, and semi-tacky.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, when mounted to a stemmed drinking glass 12the single piece of flexible material 10 can be viewed as a series ofsegments or parts, each of which has a distinct purpose or function. Inthis way, flexible material 10 is comprised of stem portion 10A whichwraps around stem 22 of glass 12. Stem portion 10A follows along atleast part of the circumferential surface of stem 22. Stem portion 10Athen angles toward the bowl 22, overlapping itself. The two portions offlexible material 10 that extend from stem portion 10A may be referredto as the bowl portions 10B and 10C (1120C being located on the far sideof the glass and not visible in this view.). Bowl portions 10B and IOChug bowl 22 as they proceed to knot 10F. Knot 10F secures the ends ofbowl portions 10B and 10C distal from stem portion 10A, thereby keepingbowl portions 10B and 10C taut across bowl 22. The free ends 10D and 10Eof flexible material 10 extend loosely from knot 10F.

Knot 10F can be large and decorative as depicted in FIG. 1, or may besimple and functional as in FIG. 2, in some cases hidden by thedecorative accessory as illustrated. A variety of other methods can alsobe used to fasten the ends of the bowl wraps 10B and 10C together; suchmethods can include, but are not limited to, a hook and clasp coupler ora hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®.

The flexible material 10 can be secured to the stemmed glass 12 though aseries of steps. An example method for wrapping a stemmed drinking glassincludes: first, positioning the flexible material 10 such that it isapproximately longitudinally centered on the stem 22 of stemmed glass12. The flexible material 10 is wrapped in a manner that causes it toencircle the stem 22 of stemmed glass 12 at least once. Each end of theflexible material 10 is then drawn taut upwardly and across the bowl 20of the stemmed glass 12 toward rim 24. The flexible material 10 is thensecured in place by a knot made near the rim 24 of the stemmed glass 12.

The increased diameter of bowl 20 of stemmed glass 12 where the bowl 20joins to the stem 22, keeps the flexible material 10 from slidingupwards past the stem; thereby allowing the flexible material 10 toremain taut. When flexible material 10 is taut, the edge of rim 24provides enough interference or friction to keep bowl portions 10B and10C of the flexible material 10 in place about bowl 20. Alternately,retaining clip 30A or 30B may be secured to flexible material 10 inplace at the rim 24.

When using retaining clip 30A or 30B, the clip is first placed over therim 24 of the stemmed lass 12. When placed over a stemmed glass 12 thetwo abutting ends 34A and 34B (in the case of retaining clip 30A), orinternal surfaces 36A and 36C (in the case of retaining clip 30B), makecontact with the rim 24 of the glass. A portion of flexible material 10or a separate tie can be passed through the inner portion of 30A or theeye of 30B to anchor the flexible material 10 to the rim 24 of thestemmed drinking glass 12.

Clips, rings and hooks such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 may besubstituted for clips 9 a or 9 b.

Once the ends of the flexible material 10 have been fastened togetherand secured in place a decorative flower 16 or other decorative material16 may be attached.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a wrap 200 according to thepresent invention. The wrap 200 takes the form of a closed loop. In thisversion, intended for wineglasses, the loop has two thicker portions 210and two thinner portions 212 and 214. In use, one of the thinnerportions 212 will be wrapped around the stem of the glass, correspondingto the stem portion 10A of wrap 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Widerportions 210, correspond to the bowl portions 10B and 10C of wrap 100and the second, thinner portion 214 corresponds to the knotted orotherwise fastened together free ends 10D and 10E of the wrap 100.Because the wrap 200 s formed as a loop, the step of knotting orotherwise fastening the free ends together can be omitted. The wrap asillustrated is a smooth fabric provided with a pattern, in this casepolka-dots, but various patterns, colors and textures can besubstituted, again preferably in keeping with the theme of the gatheringat which the wraps are used.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the wrap 200 of FIG. 3 mounted on a stemmedglass 12, otherwise as illustrated in FIG. 1. The wrap is installedgenerally as described in conjunction with FIG. 1, by wrapping thethinner, stem portion 212 at least once around the stem of the glass.The loop is then pulled outward and upward around the bowl 20, and thefree end of the loop (thinner portion 214) is secured to the rim 24 ofthe glass by means of a decorative hook 216, corresponding generally tothe hook illustrated in FIG. 7, as discussed below. Decorativeaccessories as described above may be added. The wrap may be printedwith team logos, brand names or other patterns.

Because the wrap is formed as a loop, its length cannot be adjusted bytying its ends together as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. For thisreason, the wrap is preferably fabricated of a stretchy material such asnylon or Lycra® fabric having 2 or 4 way stretch properties.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate perspective and side views of a clip 300which may be used to secure the wrap adjacent to the rim 24 of the glass12 (FIGS. 1-4). The clip generally takes the form of a flattenedS-shape, having two opposing curved sections 314 and 316, defining tworecesses 318 and 320. Recess 320 is paced over the rim of the glass withcurved section 316 located outside of the bowl. Recess 318 holds thewrap generally adjacent the rim of the glass. The clip may be providedwith an inward facing protrusion 312, to assist in retaining the clap tothe glass. The protrusion may have a generally linear or a curvedcontact surface for bearing against the inner surface of the bowl of theglass.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hook 400 which may be used to secure the wrapadjacent to the rim 24 of the glass 12 (FIGS. 1-4), correspondinggenerally to hook 216 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The hook generally takes theform of an S-shaped wire, having two opposing curved sections 414 and416, defining two recesses 418 and 420. Recess 420 is paced over the rimof the glass with curved section 416 located outside of the bowl. Recess418 holds the wrap generally adjacent the rim of the glass. The clip maybe provided with a decorative feature 412.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative form of ring shaped retainer 500,taking the form of an open metallic wire ring, corresponding generallyin use to clip 30A, FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 10 is a pattern for making a first type of a loop-type wrapaccording to the present invention. This version of the wrap is intendedfor use in with martini glasses. Two pieces of fabric according to thepattern are stitched together along their long edges, preferably using aserger machine with a 4 thread overlock stitch, ¼ inch wide for strengthand flexibility. This stitch will also assure that seam will lay flat.The free ends are preferably stitched together using a traditionalsewing machine and finished with a 4 thread overlock stitch forstrength, flexibility and a professional finish. The same assemblytechnique is used for the wraps of FIGS. 11 and 12, below.

To fit most martini glasses, a length C1 of about 8 inches, a centerwidth A1 of about 1¼ inches and end widths B1 of about 1¾ inches willsuffice. The size of the finished piece will be somewhat reduced due tothe width of the seams.

FIG. 11 is a pattern for making a second type of a loop-type wrapaccording to the present invention. This version of the wrap is intendedfor use in with stemmed glasses. To fit most wine glasses, a length C2of about 12¾ inches, a center width A2 of about 1¼ inches, increasedwidth portions D2 of about 2⅛ inches and end widths B1 of about 1⅛inches will suffice. For larger stemmed glasses, a length C2 of about14¼ inches, a center width A2 of about 1⅜ inches, increased widthportions D2 of about 2 inches and end widths B2 of about 1⅛ inches willsuffice. This version of the wrap may also be used with footed pilsnerbeer glasses. To fit most such glasses, a length C2 of about 17½ inches,a center width A2 of about 1¾ inches, increased width portions D2 ofabout 2¼ inches and end widths B2 of about 1⅜ inches will suffice. Thesize of the finished piece will be somewhat reduced due to the width ofthe seams.

FIG. 12 is a pattern for making a third type of a loop-type wrapaccording to the present invention. Smaller patterns may be used forchildren's glasses, such as the “sippie cup” type glasses. Largerversions may be used with beer mugs. These wraps typically will bewrapped around the glass or mug below the handle and be held adjacentthe rim of the glass by being stretched outward, upward and back aroundthe rim above the handle as described above. No ring, clip or hook isneeded in such applications.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are included for the sake of completeness to illustratethe application of the wrap to a children's sippie cup 500 and to afooted pilsner glass 600, respectively. As illustrated, the uppershoulder 510 of the cup, under its cap 530, can also be used to securethe wrap 520 adjacent its rim. A decorative hook or clasp 610 is used tosecure the wrap 620 adjacent the rim of the glass.

Other patterns may be used as needed to fit other types of glasses andcups. The above specific embodiments should thus be considered exemplaryrather than limiting in conjunction with the claims below. Use of theterm “glass” does not imply that the glasses as described are made ofglass. They may be made of plastic, wood metal, glass or otherappropriate material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of wrapping a drinking glass, having arim, comprising: providing a segment of flexible material for use inwrapping the glass; encircling the flexible material at least partiallyaround a lower portion of the glass; drawing the flexible material tautupwardly, across and around the glass; and securing the flexiblematerial adjacent to the rim of the glass.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the glass is a stemmed glass having a stem and a bowl, whereinthe lower portion of the glass around which the material is wrappedcomprises the stem.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein securing flexiblematerial adjacent to the rim of the glass comprises securing a fasteningmeans for engaging the flexible material to the rim of the glass andengaging the flexible material with the fastening means.
 4. The methodof claim 3 wherein the fastening means comprises a hook, clip or ring.5. The method of claim 1 wherein securing flexible material adjacent tothe rim of the glass comprises securing a fastening means for engagingthe flexible material to the rim of the glass and engaging the flexiblematerial with the fastening means.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein theflexible material comprises a loop of stretchable material.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 wherein securing flexible material adjacent to the rimof the glass comprises securing a fastening means for engaging theflexible material to the rim of the glass and stretching the material toengage it with the fastening means.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein theflexible material comprises a length of material having free ends andwherein securing the material adjacent to the rim comprises attachingthe free ends to one another.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein securingflexible material adjacent to the rim of the glass comprises securing afastening means for engaging the flexible material to the rim of theglass and engaging the free ends with the fastening means.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein securing flexible material adjacent to the rimof the glass comprises securing a fastening means for engaging theflexible material to the rim of the glass and knotting the free ends.11. A wrapped drinking glass, having a rim, comprising: a segment offlexible material encircling the glass at least partially around a lowerportion of the glass; wherein the flexible material is drawn tautupwardly, across and around the glass; and secured adjacent to the rimof the glass.
 12. The glass of claim 11, wherein the glass is a stemmedglass having a stem and a bowl, wherein the lower portion of the glassaround which the material is wrapped comprises the stem.
 13. The glassof claim 12 wherein the flexible material is secured adjacent toadjacent to the rim of the glass by a fastening means for engaging therim of the glass and engaging the flexible material.
 14. The glass ofclaim 13 wherein the fastening means comprises a hook, clip or ring. 15.The glass of claim 10 wherein the flexible material is secured adjacentto adjacent to the rim of the glass by a fastening means for engagingthe rim of the glass and engaging the flexible material.
 16. The glassof claim 10 wherein the flexible material comprises a loop ofstretchable material.
 17. The glass of claim 16 wherein the material isstretched to engage it with the fastening means.
 18. The glass of claim10 wherein the flexible material comprises a length of material havingfree ends and wherein the free ends are attached to one another.
 19. Theglass of claim 18 wherein the flexible material is secured adjacent toadjacent to the rim of the glass by a fastening means for engaging therim of the glass and engaging the flexible material.
 20. The glass ofclaim 9 wherein the free ends are knotted.